Katana - Tamahagane - Bishu Osafune Sukesada(備州長船祐定) NBTHK "KICHO TOKEN" - Japon - Période Muromachi (1333–1573)

【Why is Wakizashi needed?】
During the Sengoku period, the more heads of enemy generals a warrior brought home, the more highly regarded he was as a samurai.

On the battlefield, Katana was used to fight. However, it was feared that the blood and wear and tear of the Katana would deteriorate its sharpness if it was used to cut off the heads of enemy generals.

There, they used wakizashi to cut off the head and present it to the general.

The wakizashi had an important role in cutting off the heads of enemy generals.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), the Tokugawa Shogunate issued a law stipulating that the formal dress of a samurai was to wear a Uchigatana (刀) and a Wakizashi (脇差) as “Daisho Nihonzashi” (大小二本差し).

Daisho(大小) set of Katana(刀) and Wakizashi(脇差) is the formal attire of a samurai. If you have a Katana and do not yet have a Wakizashi, this is a good time to consider purchasing a Wakizashi.


【Summary】
A well-made, typical Bishu Osafune Sukesada(備州長船祐定) Wakizashi. The characteristic Hamon is clearly visible.
NBTHK "Kicho-Token" certificate paper is also included in the set.


【About Bishu Osafune Sukesada(備州長船祐定)】
Sukesada(祐定) is a swordsmith of the Osafune(長船) school in Bizen Province (present-day southeastern Okayama Prefecture). Along with Tadamitsu(忠光) and Katsumitsu(勝光), he is a representative of the “Suebizen(末備前)” (a generic name for Bizen smiths of the late Muromachi period).

According to one theory, there were more than 60 swordsmiths who cut the Sukesada name, reflecting the longevity of the name. Among them was Sukesada, whose common name was “Yosozaemon (与三左衛門)”, and whose name is listed in the highest rank of swords, “Suekoto saijo-saku(末古刀最上作)”. Sukesada is truly a representative of this period.

The Gunome-Midareba(互の目乱れ刃) produced by Sukesada have a unique shape in which the Yakigashira (the point at the apex of the blade near the Mine) is split in two. It is commonly referred to as a “crab claw blade” because it resembles a crab's claw.

This wakizashi also shows typical characteristics of Sukesada's works, with a blade pattern Gunome-Midareba. This Katana is perfect for those who want a typical piece from the Muromachi period.


【Koshirae】
Koshirae is a period design that fits the Katana of the Muromachi age. There is some damage to the Saya, please check the pictures.
Tsuba : great quality
Habaki : good quality


【condition/size】
The condition of the blade is very good. This Katana is certified by NBTHK as "Kicho Token(貴重刀剣)", which proves that this Katana is well worth appreciating.

Koshirae Full length: 72.9cm
TOTAL Length : 57.5cm
Blade length: 45.5cm
Motohaba : 2.8cm
Motokasane : 0.7cm
Weight : 0.5kg
Sori: 1.2cm

【Attention before bid】
This is a truly domestic Japanese sword that has never left Japan. To export, an export permit must be obtained from the Agency for Cultural Affairs, which takes about 25 business days. We would appreciate your patience.

Export of Japanese swords from Japan to other countries is restricted. Depending on the situation of the shipping company and your country of residence, it may not be possible to ship. We will of course do our best to send the item, but if no carrier is available, we have no choice but to cancel the transaction. (So far we have been able to transport them without any problems in most cases.)

Regardless of the carrier's situation, China and Russia are banned from importing Japanese swords.